When you bought your first home, was closet design a determining factor? Probably not. But over time as your wardrobe and organization needs have grown, it’s probably a lot more evident that a single closet rod and shelf just don’t cut it. Here are the steps you need to take to get a handle on your closet organization!
Take Inventory
Quite possibly the longest step of closet design is categorizing its contents. This literally means taking everything out of your closet space and sorting it into piles. Start with broad categories like pants, dresses, accessories, etc.
This is also the perfect time to determine what items need to exit your wardrobe permanently. It needs to go if:
- You haven’t worn it in the last year
- It doesn’t or hasn’t fit for quite some time
- You have multiple look-alikes
- It’s damaged (i.e. stained, heavily frayed, etc.)
Set aside a box for these items to be sold, donated, or thrown away. Then tackle the categories of items you plan to keep. Determine what needs to be hung and what needs to be folded. If you’re working with a reach-in closet, it may be necessary to store seasonal clothing and shoes. Categorize these items as well and set them aside.
Now that your closet is empty, it’s also a good idea to give it a much-needed cleaning. If you have an existing closet system or just a shelf and a closet rod, remove them and repair any holes left behind.
Determine Your Budget
In a perfect world, everyone would have unlimited means to have a closet system designed and installed. Knowing what you can afford and want to spend prior to starting the process is key in determining what resources, materials, and upgrades you can splurge on.
DIY systems start around $150. Many closet design retailers allow customers to design their own systems online, in-store or over the phone and can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000, depending on closet size, features, upgrades, accessories, and installation.
Design It
Even if you’re going the DIY route for installation, there are several online retailers that allow you to design your closet based around your specific closet dimensions, budget, and storage needs. Some popular retailers with online design tools include The Container Store, IKEA, EasyClosets, ClosetMaid and Closet Factory (to name just a few).
Image from Queen Bee of Honey Dos
Things to Think About
Before placing an order on your closet system, make sure to consider these things:
- Take measurements. Make sure to account for the lengths of your clothing categories, as well as your need for different shoe type organization like boots. Deeper shelves aren’t always helpful. Just because a deeper shelving unit has more space, doesn’t mean they’ll keep you organized. Things get jumbled and pushed to the back.
- Buy an adjustable system, if possible. Your closet organization needs change over time, especially children’s closets. Consider an adjustable rod system that allows you to change your configuration as needed.
- Add order to your closet system. When it’s time to put your belongings back into your closet, you should place clothing categories in the order that you’ll put them on.
- Consider a place for a hamper. Whether you have a reach-in or walk-in closet, a nook or tilt-out section for a hamper is a top feature of custom closets.
Image from un-fancy.com
Accessorize It With…
- The right (matching) hangers. Nothing pleases the eye more than matching hangers. Non-slip styles are best for wardrobes with silky materials and strappy tops, while wooden hangers make a statement in closets with tailored suit pieces, knits, and sweaters.
- A place for tomorrow’s outfit. Pull-out valet hooks are a great way to display what to wear the next day or help separate items you’re packing away for a work trip or vacation.
- Shelf dividers. Keep stacks of t-shirts and sweaters from constantly toppling over.
- A step stool. For hard-to-reach items on high shelves.
- Adjustable drawer organizers. To keep ties, socks, jewelry, and other garments from becoming a mess.
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